TURA, July 24 ? There is jubiliation in all the three districts of Garo Hills following the six month-long ceasefire agreement signed between the top leadership of the banned ANVC and the representatives of the Central and State Governments in New Delhi on Friday afternoon. Many were taken by surprise over the sudden outcome of the peace parlays.
The Garo Baptist Convention (GBC) which was instrumental in facilitating the talks, have taken the ceasefire agreement with cautious optimism. Welcoming the ceasefire, GBC president Grover R Marak said that he was happy to see it happen. He believes that peace will return to the Garo Hills. When asked what would be its next challenge Mr Marak replied, ?We have worked as a facilitator and our job is complete. It is now upto the State Government whether it requires our services.?
The Mothers? Union of Tura have also welcomed the ceasefire agreement between the militant group and the government. ?We are very happy with what has taken place in Delhi and hope it is a positive step forward in the direction of peace. Such a step should also extend to other militant groups of the region,? said the secretary of Mothers? Union, Viola Sonatchi B Sangma.
?I came to know about the agreement when I heard the news on the radio on Friday evening,? said a cultivator on the outskirts of Tura. Members of the business community of Tura town, who had to face the brunt of militancy, expressed happiness with the recent development. ?It is good for everyone now that the militants have realised the futility of taking up arms which is not good for the society as a whole.
Earlier, there was fear but now I hope fear translates into prosperity for everyone,? remarked a trader from the town who did not wish to be identified.
The Headmaster of a prominent school from Tura when asked for his remarks on the ceasefire agreement said that it is an excellent opportunity for the revival of development in the Garo Hills.
He said, ?The peace process should not be squandered and a repeat of the SALMA episode in which the then government of Salseng C Marak lacked the political will to bring it to a logical end should not be repeated.?
He added that should the Garo Hills be able to usher in peace it would set an example for the rest of the troubled north-eastern region to follow suit.